Detroit Lions v New York Jets Preview

Aug 2, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) during training camp at Detroit Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

It’s finally here.  The NFL preseason is upon us and with the regular season just weeks away, coaches will be working all hours to complete player evaluations.  The Lions have had what Jim Schwartz described as the most competitive camp since he has been the Lions head coach.  So he and the coaching staff will be watching every position battle to determine who should start on opening day.

"In preseason games you want to see players win their spot and their matchup, not necessarily scheme. Not that you don’t want to out-scheme teams because you want to put players in good positions. But you want to see who can cover one-on-one, who can win a one-on-one pass rush, who can block one-on-one, who can make that tackle. Those are important things in preseason games as we’re evaluating some of these guys.”"

Positions/Players To Watch

Defensive End –  Ziggy Ansah was named a starter in the first depth chart of the preseason a few days ago with Isreal Idonije backing him up.  The Detroit Lions coaching staff will be anxious to see how the rookie Ansah performs against the Jets first unit especially with a proven veteran behind him on the depth chart.

Offensive Line – The Lions passed on some of the big tackles at the top of the 2013 draft because they felt Riley Reiff could handle the position.  Reiff will have a chance to show he can protect Matt Stafford’s blind side effectively. The rest of the offensive line will be judged on their ability to open up holes for the Lions newest weapon in the backfield.

Reggie Bush – Lions fans will finally get a glimpse at what the offense will look like with Reggie Bush in it.  Expect the Lions to try to create room for Bush to run with swing passes and screens.

Mark Sanchez – Mark Sanchez was named starter by the Jets coaching staff saying he earned the chance to start

"“You have to ask the coaches, but I feel like I’m putting together a good camp,” Sanchez said Wednesday. “I think I earned the right to start this first game and we’ll see how it goes from there. But got to keep playing well to stay on the field, and that’s the plan.”"

Sanchez is involved in a battle for the starting QB with draftee Geno Smith.  Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said Sanchez is getting the start in part because he in the incumbent and the other because he earned it.  It will be interesting to see how the Detroit Lions rebuilt secondary will handle the closely scrutinized Jets passing attack.

The Detroit Lions v New York Jets preseason game is sold out.  That means Detroit Lions fans can watch it live on Channel 7 at 7:30 pm.  After the game log on to Detroit Jock City for all the latest on the Lions.